Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Before he was cast in "Red," Jeff Still didn't know much about art and even less about Mark Rothko. "I did not know who he was. It was very embarrassing. All my friends knew who he was," says Still, who plays the famed mid-20th century abstract painter at the center of John Logan's "Red." The drama, which won the 2010 Tony Award for best play, begins performances Thursday at the Pittsburgh Public Theater's home in the O'Reilly Theater, Downtown.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
'Red' a portrait of abstract artist Mark Rothko
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Before he was cast in "Red," Jeff Still didn't know much about art and even less about Mark Rothko. "I did not know who he was. It was very embarrassing. All my friends knew who he was," says Still, who plays the famed mid-20th century abstract painter at the center of John Logan's "Red." The drama, which won the 2010 Tony Award for best play, begins performances Thursday at the Pittsburgh Public Theater's home in the O'Reilly Theater, Downtown.
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3 comments:
In hearing the name Mark Rothko- I couldn't help but get a little excited. I too at first never knew who this individual was.. up until I learned of the Mark Rothko scholarship, and the controversial relationship he had with a art museum. I find it so interesting that they are creating a play about this artist's work life, because art is often looked at as merely a product: the most interesting part of art making usually goes into the process. I would love to see the dynamic of Rothko and his assistant acted out on stage. The action of painting and splattering with actual paint is yet another exciting element to this play: making me want to go see it even more!
I was able to attend the invited dress last week and was highly impressed with the actors' apparent knowledge of the physical world in which they occupied. So often in plays that are set in specific occupational settings, the space is full of specific props that the actors don't know how to use properly, and that can destroy our ability to suspend any disbelief. Besides doing some character work and background research on the artists as discussed in the article, it was clear somebody took some time to show them how to paint. Almost everything on stage was used, including some long complex sequences such as mixing the paint that was then later used to paint the mentioned canvas.
I agree with Brian. When I saw the show last week it was so impressive to see two actors who had really taken the time to work with their environment. I think the Director also helped them out by giving them tasks to do that actually used the objects in a different way. For instance when they are mixing paint they are taking the time to do all of the small things which lends to the realism of the piece. From pouring small amounts of pigment in to get a color, adding more water to thin it out etc. I also thought it was great that they actually use the paint they mix onstage to cover the giant canvas. It lent a feeling of realism that I don't get a lot of times when I go to shows.
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